California Stories Uncovered
Five Exhibits of Photographs by Immigrant and Refugee Teens
Eyes of New California
San Francisco
San Francisco Bay Area Immigrant and refugee teens from five different ethnic backgrounds – Filipino, Moroccan, Congolese, Indian and Russian, -- are the young photographers. Their mentor is renowned documentary photographer Rick Rocamora.
“ This project will tell the story of what it means to be an immigrant or refugee in California through the visual stories created by the young photographer,” said Rocamora. ”The body of work will be based on an insider’s point of view and will explore the challenges of becoming a member of a California community.”
Project Participants
Shaded is an 18-year old Mission High School senior from Mumbai, India. He recently acquired his pilot's license and plans to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering. He is a starting pitcher for the Mission High baseball team, moot court participant, and a local and national poetry slam champion.
Jan is a 13-year-old eighth grader from Burlingame whose family comes from the Philippines. Both her parents are immigration lawyers. Jan is an honor student and sings soprano in a choir.
Ghita is an 18-year-old Muslim originally from Morocco. She spent several years in a foster home before moving out on her own recently. She is fluent in English, Arabic, French and Spanish, and is currently learning Hebrew.
Armel is a 14-year-old high school freshman from Albany who was born in the Congo. Armel plays the Congolese drums and performs with his father in schools and other venues. He is also a good soccer player.
Yarov is a Russian-born 13-year-old eighth grader who lives with his family in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. He loves to play computer games and do volunteer work. He recently received an award from the Kids Who Care Program for his volunteer work with the YMCA.